A region of Spain ideal for walking in summer
Guided walking, history, landscapes — small international group — northern Spain
Picos de Europa National Park
A region of Spain ideal for walking in summer
Guided walking, history, landscapes — small international group — northern Spain
We walk in some of the best scenery of this famous mountain range... and explore the fabulous legacy of Asturias and Cantabria: Preromanesque architecture, the Costa Verde, cider, and blue and smoked cheeses!
ONE WEEK Activities: exploration of the Picos de Europa – 4 guided mountain walks of ±5 hrs and one unguided of 3h30, on (sometimes steep and/or stony) paths with a few 'off path' sections; denivellations of up to +800m/day; visits. Group 10 maximum.
FULL BOARD EXCEPT 3 DINNERS (Thu, Fri & Mon), in twin rooms in hotels (private bathrooms): three nights at Potes, 2 at Tielve and 2 at Candás on the Costa Verde.
DATES (Wednesday-Wednesday)
2011 31 August-7 September [can be combined with 'Natural Parks of Old Castile'].
PRICE 795 euros per person; single room supplement 135 euros.
RENDEZVOUS & DISPERSAL Bilbao airport. Book a plane arriving at Bilbao by 15.00; for the return, one with check-in after 12.00. Please consult us if you wish to arrive by coach, train or car.
Location of this programme:
DAY-TO-DAY
WEDNESDAY: Transfer to the Mediaeval village of Potes, in the Cantabrian Picos, for our first three nights.
THURSDAY: Panoramic ridge walk of Pico Jano, through montane pastures with cows, horses and an interesting group of dolmens. Immense views of the hamlets dotting the Liébana valley below, the main Picos massif and the San Glorio and Tres Mares ranges of the Cantabrian mountains.
FRIDAY: On the footsteps of the pilgrims to the monastery of Santo Toribio, through the Riega de Cicera, the steep, wooded hillsides of the Arcedón and the hamlet of Lebeña with its ancient Mozarabic church overlooking the La Hermida defile.
SATURDAY: 4WD transfer to Caín. Superb 'self-guided' walk, along an easy and well-marked path, of the unforgettable Garganta del Cares, justifiably one of the most famous gorge walks in Europe! Tielve hamlet, in the Asturian Picos, where we stay 2 nights in a farm-inn known for its award-winning Cabrales blue cheese.
SUNDAY: Circuit on foot of the former mining tracks of the Sierra de Andara, a limestone labyrinth forming the easternmost part of the high Picos de Europa.
MONDAY: To Sotres via the majadas of Valfrío and Tobaos, past grazing cows and sheep whose milk is used for Cabrales cheese, with magnificent views of the Picos summits. Return by a spectacular path overlooking the Valle del Duje. We leave the mountains for the luxuriant Costa Verde, one of the most notable areas of 'Green Spain'. Two nights at the picturesque fishing port of Candás: small beaches, sea cliffs and great seafood!
TUESDAY: Excursion to the most important Preromanesque buildings, including the 9th century summer palace of Ramiro I... and to a famous cider brewery. Free time at Candás.
WEDNESDAY: Transfer to Bilbao airport.
For an unequalled view of the Natural Parks of northern Spain, combine 'Natural Parks of Old Castile' and 'Picos de Europa'
14 nights, Wed-Wed, 24 August-7 September 2011,
at the special price of 1465¤, single supplement 270¤
See also our NEW holiday, Discover Northern Spain!
walking: Andalusia / walking: Extremadura / M&C Cuenca-Teruel / Discover Northern Spain
Relaxing Berlanga / Relaxing Zafra / Relaxing Almagro / historical journeys / nature rambles
Festivals–Andalusia / Spanish and other courses / for groups, families or friends
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